BLOGS
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
A Gentle, Non-Surgical Treatment for Bladder & Bowel Control
Bladder and bowel control problems can significantly affect your quality of life. If you are experiencing urgency, frequency, leakage, or loss of bowel control, you are not alone — and effective treatment is available.
At our clinic, we offer Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS), a safe, clinically proven, non-surgical treatment designed to help restore control and improve confidence.
Who Can Benefit from PTNS?
PTNS may be suitable if you experience:
- Urgent need to pass urine
- Frequent trips to the toilet
- Leakage before reaching the toilet
- Overactive bladder symptoms
- Faecal (bowel) incontinence
It is often recommended when pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, or medications have not provided sufficient relief.
What Is PTNS?
PTNS is a minimally invasive treatment that improves communication between the nerves that control the bladder and bowel.
It uses the Urgent PC Neuromodulation System, an FDA-cleared neuromodulation device designed specifically for this therapy.
The goal of treatment is to calm overactive bladder and bowel signals, helping restore more normal function.
How Does PTNS Work?
The tibial nerve, located near the ankle, shares pathways with the nerves that control the bladder and bowel.
During treatment:
- A very fine sterile needle is inserted near the ankle
- The needle is connected to a small battery-powered stimulator
- Gentle electrical impulses travel along the tibial nerve
- These impulses help regulate bladder and bowel nerve activity
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tingling in the foot or ankle. Treatment is generally well tolerated and does not require anaesthetic.
What to Expect During Treatment?
PTNS is delivered as a course of therapy:
- 12 weekly sessions are typically recommended
- Each session lasts 45–60 minutes
- No special preparation is required
- You may eat, drink, and take your regular medications as normal
- You can return to your usual activities immediately afterward
Some patients may benefit from maintenance sessions following the initial course.
How Effective Is PTNS?
Clinical studies and patient outcomes show:
- Approximately 70% of patients experience significant improvement
- Many patients leak less frequently
- Some achieve complete resolution of symptoms
- Most report improved confidence and quality of life
While individual results vary, PTNS is recognised as an effective second-line treatment for overactive bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Safety and Side Effects
PTNS is considered very safe with minimal risk.
Possible mild side effects include:
- Temporary ankle discomfort
- Mild redness
- Minor bruising at the needle site
Serious complications are extremely rare.
Who Is Not Suitable for PTNS?
PTNS may not be appropriate if you:
- Have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
- Have certain significant heart conditions
- Have severe peripheral vascular disease
- Are pregnant
A full assessment will be carried out to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
- Experienced clinicians trained in neuromodulation therapy
- Personalised treatment plans
- Evidence-based care
- Discreet, supportive environment
We understand that bladder and bowel symptoms can feel sensitive and difficult to discuss. Our team provides compassionate, confidential care focused on helping you regain control and confidence.
Book a Consultation
If bladder or bowel symptoms are affecting your daily life, PTNS may be an effective solution.
Contact our clinic today to arrange a consultation and find out whether Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation is right for you.